Study in Australia

Australian Education System

The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the AQF is a national policy that specifies the standards of qualifications for the tertiary education sector (higher education, vocational education and training) in addition to the school leaving certificate, called the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. With AQF, your degree is recognised and authorised by the government. English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system.

The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.

AQF Level Qualification Duration
Level 1 Certificate I 0.5 year
Level 2 Certificate II 0.5 to 1 year
Level 3 Certificate III 1-2 years
Level 4 Certificate IV 0.5 to 2 years
Level 5 Diploma 1 to 2 years
Level 6 Advance Diploma 1 to 2 years
Associate Degree 1.5 to 2 years
Level 7 Bachelor's Degree 3 years
Bachelor's Honours Degree 3-4 years
Level 8 Graduate Certificate 0.5 to 1 year
  Graduate Diploma 0.5 to 1 year
Level 9 Master's Degree 1 to 2 years
Level 10 Doctoral Degree 3 to 4 years

Source: www.aqf.edu.au